Uttar Pradesh- The Land With Diverse Indian Culture
Your search for a perfect heritage state ends at Uttar Pradesh. The Nawabs, historical monuments, royal lifestyle, delectable cuisines, markets of silk, perfumes, jewellery, and patriotism - Uttar Pradesh reflects a distinct rich culture in every aspect. With friendly people, it is the place where the diverse Indian Culture has flourished since time immemorial.
Being one of the most populated states of India, Uttar Pradesh is home to various people from different cultures and customs. The state is gifted with a diverse geographical land along with cultural diversities. Basically a Hindu dominated region, Uttar Pradesh is known for exemplary Muslim architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri etc. It has witnessed a synthesis of Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, etc., clearly revealed in the lifestyle of the people. Uttar Pradesh has been home to historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi.
Varanasi, Mathura, Allahabad, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ayodhya are a few holy Hindu cities, which draw millions of Devotees and tourists from all over the world. A visit to these cities is simply a fascinating experience that provides an opportunity to have a look into the traditional living of the local people. The people of Uttar Pradesh trace their genesis back to the Indo-Aryans. Only a small population, in the northern region (which is now a separate state- Uttarakhand), displays Asiatic origins. As per Census 2001, Hindus comprise about 81% of the total population. With 18% of the population, Muslims form the second largest community. There are also several indigenous tribal ethnic groups as well.
Urdu and English are the chief spoken and official languages of the state. The traditional attire for women are sarees, salwar-kameez, ghagra-choli etc. while for men it is shirt, pant, kurta-pajama etc.
Uttar Pradesh has been a Hindu dominated state since the ancient times. Muslims inhabit the western part of the state. Many of them belong to kings' and nawabs' families. The people are by and large politically and socially conscious too. The contribution of Uttar Pradesh people to Indian politics, including the Nehru-Gandhi family is unforgettable.